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The
Sutra
&
The Practice of Faith
The Sutra is the foundation of the practice of faith. It entails listening to the word of the Buddha, and accepting and embracing it in one's life.
Chih-I explains that there are Five Facets in the Practice of Faith, which are gleaned from The Lotus Sutra:
The Six Identities with Enlightenment explain the different levels of faith being turned into wisdom, and the Practice of Faith turning into the Practice of the Dharma:
1. Identity in Principle: Everyone has the capacity to become enlightened.
Chih-I:
"Whether or not they are awakened to it, all living beings have the nature
of enlightenment within themselves, as they are part of the spiritual reality
as-it-is."
Nichiren:
"The Buddha is innate in common people.”
2. Identity in Name: Although there is the principle, it is not recognized in
daily life until one heeds the word of the Dharma. One accepts and recites the
Sutra with faith.
Chih-I:
"When one hears of the Bodhi of the One Reality, and one penetrates and
reaches a thorough understanding of the names and terms, one recognizes that
all things everywhere are the Buddha’s Enlightenment."
Nichiren:
"Then they don the crown of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and they first hear the
daimoku."
3. Identity in Practice of Observation: There is true observation of the mind
and spiritual insight. One accepts the Sutra in both word and deed. Talking the
talk, and walking the walk.
Chih-I:
"If one only hears the words and mouths the teachings it is like termites
that chew on wood and accidently produce what look like words. These insects do
not recognize whether they are words or not. Without having penetrated and
reached the meaning of the words, how can there be Bodhi? It is necessary to
observe mind clearly and thoroughly. Insight and the principle must correspond,
practice must being the same as speech, and speech must be the same as
practice. When the mind and the mouth correspond, there is the Bodhi that is
the Practice of Observation."
Nichiren:
"Then, upon hearing & believing, they cultivate the practice, which is
the actual practice of the three thousand spiritual aspects in a single thought."
4. Identity to Enlightenment in Appearance: One's observation becomes more and
more on target. One begins to manifest enlightenment in all the conduct of
one’s daily affairs. One begins to manifest the Sutra in one's life.
Chih-I:
With more Observation, there is more clarity (illumination). With more Calm,
there is more serenity. It is like a diligent archer who, with practice, has
an ever more accurate
aim. There is no contradiction between one's spiritual life and one’s worldly livelihood to sustain oneself,
and one’s thoughts and speculations about Bodhi are as previously taught in the
Sutra."
Nichiren:
"Confusions and obstacles are subdued."
5. Identity with Enlightenment in Increments: One own practice enters into a
dynamic with the influence of others. One imparts enlightenment to others.
Chih-I says:
"Having the power of observation that is Enlightenment in Appearance, one
enters into the rank of the Bodhisattvas. One begins by refuting the darkness
of ignorance and seeing the spiritual nature of enlightenment. In opening up
the precious treasury of the Dharma and revealing the 'absolute spiritual
reality as-it-is', the darkness of ignorance is weakened and wisdom turns
ever deeper."
Nichiren says:
"Influence on others arises"
6. Ultimate Identity with Enlightenment: One is a font of the Dharma,
enlightening all.
Chih-I says:
"In one turn, the Universal Awakening becomes the Wonderful Awakening. The
light of wisdom becomes totally full and can not be made fuller. Only the
Buddha is able to penetrate this."
Nichiren says:
"The innate three-fold body of enlightenment is complete".
See also The Great Calm-Observation on the Six Identities.
Next, the Power of the Word
Comparison of Faith & Dharma Teachings Home
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Since July 9, 2001